Though it’s not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, several celebrities have taken the weight-loss drug Saxenda over the past couple years. The drug is indicated for adults with obesity (BMI 30 or greater) and at least one other risk factor for cardio-metabolic disease.
In clinical studies, patients who took liraglutide in addition to diet and exercise lost nearly 10% of their body weight in a year, compared with those who only followed an eating plan and exercise routine. That’s huge! Unfortunately, because this drug has not been approved by the FDA, you can’t just go get it from your local pharmacy. But there IS something you can do…Keep reading to learn more!
Who Should Take Saxenda?
Every year, millions of people in the United States struggle with obesity and related health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol. If you are one of them, you might be able to benefit from Saxenda. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prescription weight-loss drug that’s indicated for adults with obesity (BMI 30 or greater) and at least one other risk factor for cardio-metabolic disease. Saxenda is not for everyone, though.
You should not take Saxenda if you have had pancreatitis, a heart attack, or are at risk for heart failure. If you have diabetes or high cholesterol, you may be able to take Saxenda in addition to diabetes or cholesterol-lowering medications. Saxenda is not for children or adolescents younger than 18 years old. You should also not take Saxenda if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How does Saxenda Work?
Saxenda is a prescription weight-loss medication that helps you lose weight by decreasing hunger and increasing the amount of calories your body burns every day. Saxenda works in your body in two different ways. First, it slows the rate at which your stomach empties. This helps you feel full for longer, so you eat less during each meal. And second, it helps your body release energy from stored fat, which means you’ll get energy from your stored fat rather than your next meal.
Saxenda is indicated for adults with obesity (BMI 30 or greater) and at least one other risk factor for cardio-metabolic disease. Saxenda is not for everyone, though. You should not take Saxenda if you have had pancreatitis, a heart attack, or are at risk for heart failure. If you have diabetes or high cholesterol, you may be able to take Saxenda in addition to diabetes or cholesterol-lowering medications. Saxenda is not for children or adolescents younger than 18 years old. You should also not take Saxenda if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Saxenda is not right for everyone. There are some possible side effects that you should know about before deciding if Saxenda is right for you.
Here are some of the mild side effects that Saxenda may cause:
- Diarrhea:-Saxenda is most likely to cause diarrhea in the first few weeks of treatment. Call your doctor if diarrhea is severe or doesn’t go away. If diarrhea is mild, try taking Saxenda with food or a full glass of water.
- Nausea:- Saxenda can cause nausea in some people. If nausea is mild, taking Saxenda with a full glass of water or with food can help. If nausea is severe, call your doctor.
- Weight loss:- Saxenda is an effective weight-loss medication, but not everyone will lose weight while taking it. This is because weight loss is more than just taking a medication diet and exercise are also key to successful weight loss.
Why You Can’t Just Go Buy Saxenda
Saxenda is not yet approved by the FDA, and therefore, it’s not available in pharmacies. However, you DO have a way to get this medication! Saxenda is currently being studied as part of a clinical trial with the goal of getting FDA approval. If you take part in one of the ongoing clinical trials for Saxenda, you will be given Saxenda at no cost and you’ll be a part of helping this drug become FDA-approved.
And not only will you have access to this potentially life-changing drug, but you’ll also be helping researchers understand more about the drug and what populations will find it most beneficial. That’s huge! Why not take advantage of this amazing opportunity? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Bottom Line:
Saxenda is a prescription weight-loss medication that helps you lose weight by decreasing hunger and increasing the amount of calories your body burns every day. Saxenda is not for everyone, though. If you have had pancreatitis, a heart attack, or are at risk for heart failure, you should not take Saxenda. Saxenda is also not for children or adolescents younger than 18 years old, or pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Saxenda is currently being studied as part of a clinical trial with the goal of getting FDA approval. If you take part in one of the clinical trials for Saxenda, you will be given the drug at no cost and you’ll be a part of helping this drug become FDA-approved.